Hunt begins for 2015’s Yorkshire Women of Achievement

The annual hunt for the region’s most remarkable women launches today with nominations now officially open for the 2015 Yorkshire Women of Achievement awards.

This will be the 29th year of the YEP-backed awards, hosted by Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, which recognise Yorkshire’s crop of courageous, inspirational and innovative women.

Categories include business, education, sport, young achiever of the year, community impact and the Jane Tomlinson Award for Courage. The winners will be crowned at a glittering ceremony in the Royal Armouries on May 15.

Georgie Abbott, senior hospice fundraiser at the hospice, said: “We are very excited to launch our flagship event where 700 people will come together to celebrate exceptional Yorkshire women and their outstanding achievements.

“Last year we raised over £40,000 for the hospice, which meant we could continue providing incredible care in the local community.”

In 2014, overall Woman of Achievement winner was Bradford councillor Valerie Binney, whose courageous two-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease won her universal admiration. She also won the Jane Tomlinson Award for Courage.

Business category winner was Lesley O’Brien, of Stanbury, who joined family business Freightlink Europe and set up Freight Train - pushing the boundaries in a male-dominated industry.

She urged people to get nominating for this year’s awards.

“This event is not to be missed. I was aghast to be nominated in the category of Business Woman of the Year and to be considered amongst such fabulous women.

“Actually winning the award was a massive shock, delight and one of the proudest moments in my career,” she said.